Biology EOC

In the formation of Earth's atmosphere throughout its history, each of the following gases have, at one time or another, been the dominant gas in the atmosphere, EXCEPT

A) oxygen.

Which biome contains many low growing plants that stay close to the ground for warmth?

A. tundra

Which describes an example of ecological succession?

B) A meadow replacing a pond in its flood plain.

In a marine ecosystem, starfish prey upon the common mussel. Common mussels feed upon plankton. What is MOST likely to happen if the number of starfish is increased?

B) The population of planktons will increase.

Weeds growing in a recently burned patch of forest represent the first stage in

B) secondary succession

In 1850 there was a large snowshoe rabbit population in Manitoba, Canada. Over the years, the winter coloration (the color of the rabbit's fur) of the surviving rabbit population changed. The graph shows the change in winter coloration of rabbits between 1850 to 2000. Based on the data, we could hypothesize that

C) the amount of snow cover varied over the years.

Why are the beak sizes and shapes of Darwin's finches different?

C. They adapted to the type of food available.

Two species of marine mammals have become extinct in modern times: The Atlantic gray whale and the steller sea cow both joined the extinct species list back in the 1800's. More recently, scientists have declared the Caribbean monk seal to be extinct. The BEST explanation for the extinction of these three species is

C. over-hunting by man.

Finch species living on the islands exhibit a variety of beak types that favor different foods.Finches that eat seeds and plant parts have beaks of the shorter, thicker variety while finches that eat insects and other small organisms have thin, pointed beaks. Drought has hit the Galapagos Islands. Plant species are dying out; seeds and nuts have all but vanished. Of these four finch species, which is MOST LIKELY to survive under these conditions?

D) Finch 4

Large old-growth dominant forest trees, such as the redwoods, are part of a climax community. Such trees

D) cannot grow unless they are part of a larger, inter-connected community.

In which of these behaviors is it critical that members of the same species be able to recognize one another?

D) courtship behavior

Some scientists believe that many years ago, most life on Earth lived in water. Over time, some fish grew small legs and lungs that allowed them to come onto land. These fish MOST LIKELY did this because they

D) were in search of food to eat.

When the combustion engine was invented it had many positive effects on society, but years later it has been discovered that the burning of oil and coal has one major negative effect on the environment. What is that negative effect?

D. It increases the greenhouse effect.

Which of these physical factors would have the GREATEST effect on the types of plants that could thrive in an ecosystem?

D. temperature and rainfall

Considering the trends world-wide in green energy resource development and usage, what impact has this field had on the overall carbon dioxide emissions?

c. none; emissions increasing

Suppose the percentage of high income women over 75 increased to 4.5 percent in 2010. If this trend continues, what would be the percentage in 2015?

A . 4.75

After a tree falls in the forest, it slowly decays until it eventually becomes part of the forest floor. Many organisms are involved in this decomposition, what is an example of a microorganism that aids in this process?

A) Mold is a beneficial microorganism that can aid decomposition.

Farmer Scott is one of the best farmers in town. During the middle of the corn growing season, Farmer Scott had to travel out of town for two weeks, and he left his acres of corn plants alone with no chemicals or other protection. In terms of succession, which of these best describes what Framer Scott returned to after the two weeks?

A) Small weeds began to grow and develop.

The desert can be a harsh environment, with extreme heat during the day and cold during the night. Also, there is very little rainfall, or water in general, in a desert environment. Knowing this, what adaptation would best help a desert animal?

A) The ability to burrow underground.

Lichens, represented by this symbiotic relationship, are responsible for _____________ or the establishment of a new site for plant growth.

A) primary succession

Milkweed, tobacco, and poison ivy plants have adapted what type of measures to protect themselves?

B) chemical

Which organisms have the most energy available to them?

B) plants or producers

Organisms are constantly interacting with their environment. Sometimes this interaction has a positive effect on the environment, other times a negative impact. Beetles in the forest infest and eat limbs of trees that have fallen to the forest floor.

B. they are having a positive impact on the environment by acting as decomposers.

In which state would you most likely find a biome that is known for its large herbivores, few trees, and fire-dependent ecology?

C) California

The foxglove plant, seen in the illustration, produces very toxic chemicals that can cause serious illness and death in any organisms that eats the plant. Why do scientists think the foxglove plant evolved such powerful poisons?

C) The poisons discourage any animal from eating the plant, preventing damage to the plant from herbivores.

Why are the beak sizes and shapes of Darwin's finches different?

C) They adapted to the type of food available.

Reduce, reuse, recycle! Soft drinks come in aluminum cans that are readily recycled. Storage of empty cans is never a problem, since aluminum cans are easily crushed because they are very

C) malleable.

A logger clears a forest and the forest re-grows over many years. Which of the following choices is likely to represent pioneer species in succession?

C) mosses and short grasses

Humans and bacteria live in a close relationship with one another. For example, the bacteria that dwell in the human large intestine helps to complete the digestive process. The organism gains nutrients and protection in our intestine.

C) mutualism.

Which nutrient cycle is most affected by the over-use of ammonia fertilizers on commercial farms, as well as by the accumulation of waste on cattle farms and feed lots?

C) nitrogen

Which organisms would be the prey for the hawk?

C) shrew, snake, and insect eating bird

A forest ecosystem can support a limited number of bears. This is because

C. available energy is lost from one trophic level to the next.

The ecological problem that resulted from DDT use is called

C. biomagnification.

On a farm, there has been a sudden spike in the rodent population, causing an increase in crop damage and, as a result, loss of income. What practice might have contributed to the spike in the rodent population?

C. hunting and killing the snakes on the farm

Humans and bacteria live in a close relationship with one another. For example, the bacteria that dwell in the human large intestine helps to complete the digestive process. The organism gains nutrients and protection in our intestine.

C. mutualism

All but one factor contributes to water pollution. That factor is

C. ozone depletion.

In this food chain, we could hypothetically assume that for every kilogram of biomass in the osprey eagle, it would require __________ kilograms of shrimp to keep the food chain balanced.

D) 10,000

Review the image of the nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen is an important element needed for plant growth. What living organism plays a big role in adding atmospheric nitrogen to the soil?

D) Bacteria

The top of Mount St. Helens was considered to be alpine tundra. How can these two organisms, the lupine and the gopher, aid in succession on Mount St. Helens?

D) Both the lupine and the gopher improve soil quality; the lupine fixes nitrogen and adds organic matter. The gopher adds organic matter and aerates the soil.

How do sulfur and phosphorus move from the biotic to the abiotic pools during their cycles?

D) Decomposers break down the remains of producers and consumers.

Which trait is an adaptation that a temperate grassland animal might possess?

D) gut with four stomach chambers

This is a survival technique where an organism, usually a plant, is capable of directed physical movement or growth in response to a specific stimulus; such as light, gravity, water, or contact. What is the survival technique described above that is used by plants?

D) tropism

The ocean's biological carbon pump is driven by organisms that live in there. Just like the terrestrial carbon cycle, the oceanic biological carbon pump is all about photosynthesizing, respiring, eating, producing waste products, dying and decomposing. The biological pump plays a major role in all BUT ONE of the processes involved in oceanic carbon cycling.

D) upwelling currents bringing deep, cold ocean water to the surface to warm and release carbon back to the atmosphere.

There is much interdependence among the biogeochemical cycles on Earth. How is warmer ocean water involved in these cycles?

D. Atmospheric carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, would cause rising ocean temperatures, which will cause an increase in evaporation. The added water vapor would further increase global warming.

Which statement about plastics is most accurate?

D. Some plastics are biodegradable by organisms in the soil, but most are not and take hundreds of years to break down.

The population of mice in a local forest ecosystem has recently died out due to disease. In the past, these mice were the main predators of the forest beetles.

D. The drop in the mouse population will lead to an increase in the beetle population.

Coal fired power plants are used to create the electricity that we depend on. However, they also release a lot of pollution into the atmosphere through their giant smokestacks.

D. The pollution does not stay in that one place, but will mix with the air and end up wherever the wind blows, sometimes very far away.

An aquatic ecosystem was rich in benthic microalgae and sea grasses. Over the years, industrial pollutants have reduced these populations considerably. How would this affect the ecosystem?

D. There would be less energy transferred to the higher trophic levels.

In the early days of life on Earth, plants were exposed to extremely high doses of ultraviolet radiation. Constant UV exposure resulted in some land plants developing narrow leaves with thick, waxy cuticles. Over many, many generations, these narrow leaves evolved into needles.

D. a beneficial mutation that increased survival of certain plants that reproduced and passed the mutated gene to offspring.

During the process of ecological succession

D. an increasing number of resources and niches become available for animals.

Which human activity increases beach erosion?

D. building structures on sand dunes

There are many methods used to obtain energy for use in our daily lives. Some of these methods have possible environmental consequences to rivers, groundwater, and organisms. One type of pollution involves excess carbon dioxide being released into the air. Some of the carbon dioxide reacts with water to form acid rain. Which energy sources can release carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide waste into the atmosphere?

D. coal and petroleum

These polar bears can be found all around the North Pole. The natural environment where any species lives is called its

D. habitat.

Which population of organisms would begin the flow of energy through a desert food web?

D. mesquite shrubs

The blue-footed booby is a bird with, you guessed it, bright blue feet. During mating season, males display their feet to prospective females in showy dances.

D. offspring

The evolutionary advantage depicted by the rabbit in the picture is

D. protective coloration.

An eagle is a carnivore. It MOST LIKELY gets the energy it needs to reproduce from

D. rodents

Vines climb using tendrils. Specialized plant structures respond when they "touch" something like a wall or trellis. The tendrils wrap around the support and the plants are able to climb upwards. This response to touch in plants is called

D. thigmotropism.

The wolf is an ancient predator. It is a social animal, traveling as a family made up of a mated pair, and the pair's adult offspring. Wolves feed mostly on large herbivores, like bison, buffalo, and cattle, but it will also eat smaller animals. What adaptation would be the most helpful for a wolf to track, catch, and kill its prey?

D.hunting in packs

78% of Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen gas. All living things need nitrogen as a part of DNA and RNA. Yet you and I, and other living things, cannot use the nitrogen in our atmosphere directly. One type of organism is responsible for "fixing" nitrogen or helping to put it in a form so other living things can use it. That organism is

a. bacteria.

The swallowtail butterfly population is declining in some state parks. What adaptation would probably not help their numbers increase?

a. breeding spring when pesticides are used

Bluebirds and blue jays, two bird species live in a small wooded area. The blue jays are very aggressive and eventually take over the nests of the bluebirds. This is an example of interspecific

a. competition.

Humans add greatly to the carbon cycle by

a. driving cars.

Which of these examples might be an animal adaptation to life in the tree canopy of a tropical rainforest?

a. gripping tail

Viceroy butterflies look much like the Monarch. Because of this, they are saved from predators also. This protective mechanism is BEST called

a. mimicry

Plants like the stinging nettle seen here have sharp, needle-like hairs that inject a burning chemical into animals that touch the stems or leaves. These hairs are used for

a. protection.

For the first time in five years California authorities have issued a first stage smog alert, warning people in some areas of unhealthy levels of ozone in the air. Smog contains several dangerous chemical compounds beside ozone: sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Since it would be impossible to wear gas masks like those in the picture, a reasonable plan would be to

a. stay indoors as much as possible to limit exposure during the alert.

We use batteries every day to play radios, I-pods, video games, and even our car. Although batteries are convenient, they can cause problems for life on Earth. Batteries cause problems in all BUT one way. That is

a. they are easy to recycle.

Reptiles, such as the thorny devil and Gila monster, can be found in the middle of deserts, whereas most amphibians do not stray too far from water. Which adaptation allows for this increased range of reptiles?

b. The ability to absorb oxygen through the skin.

Which adaptation would prove useful to a group of plants that grow in deserts?

b. a spongy layer within the skin to retain moisture for long periods

A population of mice occupies a tree stump in a forest. During the last decade, there has been little change in the number of mice in the population. Which of the following would likely cause the number of mice to decrease quickly?

b. an increase in predation

In any food web, the organisms that are responsible for converting raw energy into usable chemical energy are collectively called ________ while organisms that recycle the nutrients trapped in dead organisms are collectively called

b. producers; decomposers.

Aluminum cans may be collected and processed into new aluminum products over and over again. This illustrates that aluminum is a ___________ resource.

b. recyclable

The tundra is cold year-round. it has short cool summers and long, severe winters. The tundra has a permanently frozen sublayer of soil called permafrost. Like the desert, the tundra receives little precipitation, about 4 to 10 inches per year, and what does fall is usually in the form of snow or ice. It has long days during the growing season, sometimes with 24 hours of daylight, and long nights during the winter. Which adaptations would you expect to see in plants growing in the tundra?

b. small and grow in clumps for protection from the wind and cold

One negative effect of society's need for energy would include

b. the Exxon Valdez oil spill that destroyed the habitats and lives of many animals.

Deforestation is the clearing of Earth's forests on a massive scale, often resulting in damage to the quality of the land due to erosion. Deforestation occurs for many reasons, but probably the biggest reason for deforestation is _______________.

c. agricultural

A mountain separates a population of mice into two distinct eastern and western populations. The eastern area is inhabited by owls, which hunt at night. No owls live in the western area. Over time, the eastern population of mice will MOST LIKELY

c. change over time and become less active at night.

Many species of mites, such as this one, have adapted to living on the outer surface of human skin. They obtain their food by eating dead skin cells and neither harm nor benefit humans. This type of adaptation is called

c. commensalism.

These sunflowers seem to follow the path of the sun as it travels across the sky during the day. Plants bending toward or following light is a response called

c. phototropism.

Rain, hail, sleet and snow are all examples of

c. precipitation.

An ecological pyramid is sometimes used to show both the flow of matter and energy in an ecosystem. The pyramid narrows as matter and energy flow from the bottom to the top. What does this pyramid tell you about the energy in this ecosystem?

d. Energy decreases from bottom to top because some is used at each level for life processes.

This plant needs to grow high up in the canopy of the rainforest. It needs support as it moves up the stems and branches of larger trees. The tendrils here know when to cling to their support. This response by the climbing plant is called

d. thigmotropism.

Consider the aquatic phosphorus cycle. On land most phosphorus is found in rocks and minerals. In the oceans, phosphorus is deposited from decomposition, excretion from animals, run-off from the land, and finally ______________ of rocks and minerals.

d. weathering

If you were to place the bear into the energy pyramid, the bear would go on level _____ and have ________ amount of energy available to it.

A) A; the least

The graph shows the results of a famous biological experiment. In the experiment, Kettlewell believed that the peppered moth demonstrated how environmental pressures influence evolution. He studied two areas. Birmingham was a rural wood, with natural conditions. Dorset was an urban, industrial area. The moths use tree trunks to camouflage themselves against birds, which are their major predators. Natural gene variations produce a light form of the peppered moth, and a dark form, meaning that they are not equally visible.

A) Dark moths had a survival disadvantage in industrial Dorset.

The demand on the Earth's lithosphere is dramatically increasing. Why should we look for alternative sources of energy other than just relying on fossil fuels?

A) Fossil fuels are non-renewable and exhaustible and their combustion causes air pollution.

Why are more and more people concerned about the increased use of fossil fuels, like gasoline used in cars?

A) Fossil fuels may one day run out.

Study the picture of the bird above. Which method below describes how it most likely obtains food?

A) It uses its long beak to draw nectar from flowers

Consider the following scenario: A species of ancestral short-legged shore birds exists. Within the population in a given shoreline, there is a range of leg lengths, from a little bit shorter to a little bit longer than the average leg length. Leg length is hereditary. High average annual temperatures resulted in shallow shoreline waters and restricted food supplies. Competition for food among the birds increased. The birds with slightly longer legs could wade out into deeper water to find food. The longer-legged birds lived longer, were healthier, and therefore more chicks. The birds with the shortest legs did not survive. It is many years in the future. The shoreline waters have remained shallow. What prediction would you make about the bird population in the area?

A) Within the population, the average leg length has increased over time.

Both the arctic fox and snowshoe rabbit have made species adaptations over time that enable them to survive. For example, both creatures have fur that turns white in winter and fur on the pads of their feet. These are examples of adaptations to

A) climate.

All of the following adaptations are evolutionary adjustments made by at least one mammal, EXCEPT

A) ectothermic metabolism.

The graph represents

A) exponential population growth.

These four finch species lived together on an island. Each species ate something different: large seeds, small seeds, insects, and leaves. As more people moved to the island and built houses, the available finch food changed. There were fewer seeds of any kind for the finches to eat. We would expect, over time,

A) that the seed eating species would disappear.

An animal with thick layers of blubber, dense fur, the tendency to hibernate, and light coloration is well-adapted to the _____________biome.

A) tundra

This is a typical grassland food web. It is also a small picture of an important cycle on Earth: the carbon cycle. Man can impact the carbon cycle in a negative way. All but one example below would negatively impact the carbon cycle. Identify it.

A. Planting a field of wheat

The graph illustrates what has happened over an 8 year period, when non-native Nile perch were introduced to Lake Malawi in Africa. Based on the data, what recommendation would you make to African biologists?

A. Remove or reduce the Nile perch as quickly as possible, as it is clearly out-competing the pike cichlid.

Lichens, like the one shown in the picture, are usually combinations of algae and

A. fungi

Urbanization refers to the increase in population and the amount of industrialization of an area. Urbanization happens in rural areas because of the increase in the extent and density of population needing employment, food, and housing. Due to this demand, uncontrolled environmental degradation can occur very rapidly.

A. impervious surface, creating more runoff and less fresh water infiltration

Viceroy butterflies look much like the Monarch. Because of this, they are saved from predators also. This protective mechanism is BEST called

A. mimicry

The development and then refinement of the steam engine in the 1800's helped bring about full scale industrialization in many countries. Later, a smaller and more efficient engine was developed, known as the internal combustion engine. This is the type of engine you find in modern cars.

A. oil

Which is a reason for the rise of nitrate levels in ground water?

A. overuse of fertilizers

The fur of the snowshoe rabbit is brown most of the year and turns white in winter. The change begins in the fall and is a chemical response to the lessened amount of daylight, which is the same every year. Suppose there was an unusually early snowfall at the beginning of the fall. Describe the color of the rabbit's fur before and immediately after the early snowfall.

B) Its fur will be brown both before and after the snowfall

The graphic shows the island of Krakatoa, which disintegrated in 1889, due to the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history. In the century since the eruption, the island has re-formed from lava flows. The table above shows the number of species of various plant types that were found on the island over a 30 year period, since the island re-surfaced above the ocean in the 1950's. Which groups of plants were probably most active in secondary succession and re-establishing the native habitat?

B) grasses and weeds

Birds migrate great distances each year and the primary cue for migration are changes in day length. These changes in day length in turn trigger ___________ changes in the birds. Behavior and body changes follow as the birds prepare for their seasonal migrations.

B) hormonal

The graphic shows the island of Krakatoa, which disintegrated in 1889, due to the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history. In the century since the eruption, the island has re-formed from lava flows. The table above shows the number of species of various plant types that were found on the island over a 30 year period, since the island re-surfaced above the ocean in the 1950's.

B) mosses

Over the past two hundred years, cities around the world have grown. The rapid population increase and industrialization of urban areas have, in turn, had a great impact on the local environments.

B) reduced precipitation.

This male lizard displays his brightest colors, inflates a rust-colored throat sack, and bobs his head up and down, all in an attempt to

B) signal a female lizard for breeding.

In high-income countries, which age range(s) contained the largest percentage of the population and which age range(s) contained the lowest?

B) the highest between 25 and 50; the lowest: between 55 and 74

Organisms are constantly interacting with their environment. Sometimes this interaction has a positive effect on the environment, other times a negative impact. Beetles in the forest infest and eat limbs of trees that have fallen to the forest floor. The best way to describe the beetles impact is to say that

B) they are having a positive impact on the environment by acting as decomposers.

Natural selection would favor which of the these rabbits in Antarctica?

B) white rabbit

Oil, natural gas, and coal are considered to be nonrenewable resources. Why are these fuels considered to be nonrenewable?

B. These fuels are available in a limited supply--when the fuel is used it is no longer available.

The plants growing high in the tree canopy send out roots. The roots are searching for water vapor in the humid air of the forest. This response that helps aerial plants find water is called

B. hydrotropism.

Which conclusion might be drawn between the relationship found in the graphs of Global Carbon Emissions and Global Temperatures over the past 150 years.

B. increased Carbon emission from human activities are directly correlated to increased global temperatures

According to Darwin, organisms that are best adapted to their environment are more likely to produce offspring than organisms that are less well adapted to their environment. Which phrase is used to summarize this idea?

B. survival of the fittest

Carbon dioxide is naturally present in the atmosphere as part of the Earth's carbon cycle. Human activities are altering the carbon cycle, by adding more CO2 to the atmosphere and by influencing the ability of natural sinks, like forests, to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. While CO2 emissions come from a variety of natural sources, human-related emissions are responsible for the increase that has occurred in the atmosphere since the industrial revolution.

B.The photosynthesis carbon sink will decrease in gigatons; the carbon dioxide output due to combustion will increase.

As with an iceberg, there is more to tundra plants than what you see on the surface. Which statement below supports the analogy?

C) Aerial parts are reduced in favor of the root mass in the protective soil.

Dennis studied a group of plants that grew in a pond. The plants had waxy leaves so water would roll off their surface. There were air spaces in the stems to help the plants float. Dennis made a chart of the plant features. Based on the chart, we would expect any new plants growing in the pond to look MOST like which plant group in the chart?

C) III

Although we think of land when we hear the word biome, there are also aquatic biomes. The abiotic factors that influence life forms vary with location within ocean systems. Oceanographers divide the ocean into five broad vertical zones as seen in the chart above. Compare the characteristics of the five zones. The giant tube worms, Riftia pachyptila, pictured here, have a red "plume" at the tip of their free end which is an organ for exchanging compounds with the environment. The tube worm does not have many predators. If threatened, the plume may be retracted into the worm's protective tube. The plume provides essential nutrients to bacteria living inside the worm. Tube worms have no digestive tract, but the bacteria, which may make up half of a worm's body weight, convert the oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, taken in by the plume, into organic molecules on which their host worms feed. Compare this information with the information in the chart. Where could these worms live?

C) In any zone in the ocean, provided it was not too cold and there is enough oxygen in the water.

The graphic shows the island of Krakatoa, which disintegrated in 1889 due to the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history. In the century since the eruption, the island has re-formed from lava flows. The table above shows the number of species of various plant types that were found on the island over a 30 year period since the island re-surfaced above the ocean in the 1950's.

C) Mosses were out-competed by other plants, and not directly by large trees.

In 1831, Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands. While observing the giant land tortoises that lived on these islands, Darwin noted that the shape of the tortoise shell varied depending on which island the tortoise lived. Tortoises on one island had round shells, for example, whereas tortoises on a neighboring island had more flattened, saddle-shaped shells. Which statement BEST summarizes Darwin's explanation for these differences?

C) The particular shape of the shell was best suited for the island on which the tortoise was living.

Sea gulls prey on snails on the rocky sea coast. The snails vary in color from solid brown to brown and tan striped. The birds suck the soft snail bodies out of the shells and leave the shells behind on the rocks. Scientists picked up 500 empty shells and found that 400 of the shells were solid brown and only 100 were striped. Over the years, what would you expect to happen to the snail population?

C) There would be mostly striped snails.

Pesticides, such as DDT, often have harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems. One harmful effect would be that these pesticides

C) accumulate in animals and build up in toxic concentrations as they pass through the food chain.

The early ancestors of the horse (shown in the picture) were adapted to life in tropical forests. Gradually the forests disappeared and were replaced with open grasslands. Because of the gradual change in habitat, modern horses

C) are taller with long legs and are capable of great speed to escape predators.

Climax communities __________________communities that are undergoing primary succession.

C) are usually more rich in species biodiversity than

The total amount of organic matter present in any trophic level is called

C) biomass.

The rapid growth of the human population during the last two centuries is INDIRECTLY responsible for which environmental concern, that in turn, will lead to future species extinction?

C) decreased biodiversity

Consider this northern site of primary succession following the retreat of a glacier. As we move from left to right, describe some improvements in the abiotic factors that support plant growth.

C) improved soil quality: increased humus and water retention

Burning of fossil fuels has changed the atmosphere by

C) increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide.

The graphic shows the island of Krakatoa, which disintegrated in 1889, due to the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history. In the century since the eruption, the island has re-formed from lava flows. The table above shows the number of species of various plant types that were found on the island over a 30 year period, since the island re-surfaced above the ocean in the 1950's. Which category of plants, given enough time, will probably form the climax community?

C) large trees

As water drains off and eventually combines at a central point in a watershed, it picks up different types of surface pollution left over from agricultural, industrial, commercial, and other types of human activity. Taking a look at the big picture, where is the final resting point for all of the pollutants?

C) oceans become the final collection point for tons of pollution

When a large volcano like Mt. St. Helen erupts, all life in the surrounding area is destroyed. The lava flows and forms new rock in the surrounding area. After several years, organisms, such as lichens and moss begin to recolonize the area.

C) primary succession.

As the population increases, so does household waste. The most environmentally friendly, and also realistic, solution to this state's household waste problem would be

C) recycling or composting most of the waste.

Which plant adaptation would likely be found in the taiga?

C) small needle-like evergreen leaves

Producers are organisms that obtain their energy from sunlight. Consumers obtain their energy from eating food. This food may be producers, other consumers, or both. Decomposers obtain their energy from the breakdown of decaying matter. Students are asked to make a table classifying four organisms as producer, consumer, or decomposer. Which student filled out the table correctly?

C) student 3

Ecological succession leads to the sustainability of life in an ecosystem. Succession is the observed process of change in the species structure of an ecosystem. The community begins with relatively few pioneering plants and animals and develops through stages of increasing complexity until it becomes stable. Succession may be initiated either by formation of new, unoccupied habitat such as the formation of an island or by some form of disturbance such as fire in an existing ecosystem. Succession that begins in new habitats, uninfluenced by pre-existing communities is called primary succession, whereas succession that follows disruption of a pre-existing community is called secondary succession.

C) succession

Which of these physical factors most shapes the characteristics of a ecosystem?

C) temperature and rainfall

Which animal adaptation is well-suited for the canopy of a tropical rainforest?

C) the prehensile gripping tail of a spider monkey

The dominant gas in the atmosphere that forms clouds is

C) water vapor.

What percentage of low income people are between 25 and 29 years old?

C. 8.1%

The arctic fox has adapted to its environment in a number of ways. Its fur turns white in winter and it does not begin to shiver until temperatures plunge below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Global warming is likely to bring many changes, including an increase in mean air temperature. Over time, the arctic fox will have to adapt to this change. Which adaptation is MOST LIKELY to occur?

C. Its tail may have thinner fur.

Conserving the quality of available water is a high priority world-wide. There are many countries where the water supply is reaching dangerous levels of contamination. For example, the longest river in China, the Yangtze, is less than 5 years from death if nothing changes. How could the loss of this river have a negative impact not only the environment in China but across the region?

C. Since the Yangtze empties into the Sea of Shanghai the pollution will travel and have effects on surrounding countries.

As Americans moved west, they built the railroad and then many new towns and cities. Also, as Americans moved west, the buffalo population declined. Why?

C. There was less grass for the buffalo to eat.

Tiny plastic pellets, like the pellets in the image, enter marine ecosystems through accidental spillage or by the decomposition of plastic wastes.

C. They are consumed by fish and marine mammals and block the digestive systems of these organisms.

Seeds are the source of the new plant. Some seeds do not germinate as soon as they are formed. Coconuts, for example, float on the ocean for extended periods of time. Why don't some seeds germinate immediately after they are formed?

C. They are waiting for the best conditions for growth.

A lion would be considered a ________ of a gazelle.

C. predator

This recolonization of an area that has been totally destroyed (as in the above example), is an example of

C. primary succession.

Many plants have thorns on their stems or leaves. What is the MOST likely explanation for the evolution of thorns?

D . Thorns are an adaptation that some plants have evolved in order to discourage herbivores from eating the plant.

This food chain is incomplete. Two groups of organisms are missing. One group of organisms that is missing are the producers, plants and other photosynthetic organisms. They turn sunlight into chemical energy. What is the other missing group and what do they do?

D) Decomposers that recycle matter back into the food chain.

What happens to any matter that is not used by consumers in a food chain?

D) It is decomposed by decomposers and brought back into the food chain later.

Researchers are studying the way plants move in response to stimuli. Which scenario could be used to test phototropism?

D) One set of plants could be placed in a room with a light on the right side and one set in a room with a light on the left side; plant growth is monitored

This is a typical grassland food web. It is also a small picture of an important cycle on Earth: the carbon cycle. Describe how the carbon gets into this food web.

D) Plants use carbon dioxide as a reactant in photosynthesis, to make usable chemical energy in the form of a sugar.

Compare primary and secondary succession of an ecosystem. What is the distinction between them?

D) Primary succession is the establishment of a community in an area with no soil, while secondary succession is the establishment of a new community in an existing ecosystem that was disturbed by some catastrophic event.

Schools are typically large buildings that require large amounts of energy to meet students' learning needs. While most of the energy is necessary to maintain safe, comfortable, and interactive learning environments for students, there are ways schools can reduce energy use without affecting students. Which idea will reduce a school's energy usage the most and have the least effect on students?

D) While the school is closed for holiday breaks, central heat/air systems should be turned off, and unsused electrical items in classrooms should be unplugged.

Pioneer plant species could be described as those that

D) are small in size, and have highly effective means of dispersing their seeds.

A newly formed volcanic island has appeared in the Pacific Ocean. Analyze each of the sequences in the primary succession of species colonizing a newly formed island and select the answer choice that reflects the correct sequence.

D) bare rock, lichens, small annual plants, perennial herbs and grasses, shade intolerant trees

The forrested areas of New England today resemble this satellite image of a Connecticut location. Rapid population growth directly impacts biodiversity on Earth by ALL BUT one of these issues. That is

D) fossil fuel consumption

Ecological succession leads to the sustainability of life in an ecosystem. Succession is the observed process of change in the species structure of an ecosystem. The community begins with relatively few pioneering plants and animals and develops through stages of increasing complexity until it becomes stable. Succession may be initiated either by formation of new, unoccupied habitat such as the formation of an island or by some form of disturbance such as fire in an existing ecosystem. Succession that begins in new habitats, uninfluenced by pre-existing communities is called primary succession, whereas succession that follows disruption of a pre-existing community is called secondary succession.

D) grass plants die after a long period of no rainfall

For many years, it was believed that the Earth was flat, that the Earth was the center of the universe, and that the fire and water were part of the basic building blocks of life. As new evidence emerges or new discoveries are made, the way we explain the world changes. Which of these is a conflicting argument in science today?

D) human caused global warming

Horses are much larger today than their two-foot tall ancestor, mesohippus. Geologists believe the change in size was the result of changing environments, from tropical forests to a grassland habitat. Larger size would be an advantage for survival in this new habitat because

D) larger horses had longer legs and could run faster to escape predators.

Suppose a species of nonpoisonous snake is dark-colored, and a species of poisonous snake is brightly colored. Predators recognize the bright colors of the poisonous snake and stay away from it, but they frequently feast on the nonpoisonous snake. Some nonpoisonous snakes, like the king snake look a lot like a poisonous variety. In this case, the king snake looks like the deadly coral snake. The king snake is not attacked by predators and survives.

a. mimicry

Consider the aquatic phosphorus cycle. Phosphorus is the limiting nutrient for aquatic organisms. Decomposition naturally returns phosphorus to the aquatic cycle, but phosphates from fertilizers, sewage and detergents can cause pollution in lakes and streams. Over-enrichment of phosphate in freshwater can lead to __________ which, when they die and decay, leads to _____________.

b. algal blooms; eutrophication

This is a wetland food web. When the organisms you see here die, they become food for ____________, which help recycle matter back into the food web.

b. decomposers

Plants in a tropical rainforest usually have

b. large broad leaves.

Unlike most mites, termites can digest wood. This ability comes from protozoa that live in the a termite's digestive tract. These protozoa produce enzymes that digest wood, and they receive shelter and additional nutrients from the termites. The interaction between termite and protozoan is called

b. mutualism.

Ecological succession leads to the sustainability of life in an ecosystem. Succession is the observed process of change in the species structure of an ecosystem. The community begins with relatively few pioneering plants and animals and develops through stages of increasing complexity until it becomes stable. Succession may be initiated either by formation of new, unoccupied habitat such as the formation of an island or by some form of disturbance such as fire in an existing ecosystem. Succession that begins in new habitats, uninfluenced by pre-existing communities is called primary succession, whereas succession that follows disruption of a pre-existing community is called secondary succession.

b. primary succession

The town where Sanjay and his family live wants to cut back on their use of non-renewable resources at home. The town is located in the area we call the Great Plains, in the state of Kansas. The town's people want to cut their dependency on non-renewable resources. They also want to minimize the amount of particulate matter they put into the atmosphere. Given the town's location, what would be good energy resource choice or choices for them to consider?

b. wind and solar

The Retenor Morpho butterfly is among the fastest butterflies in the world, and is almost impossible for birds to catch. The blue color is thought to be a signal to birds that chasing them is not worth the effort. Almost all species of morpho butterflies are fast fliers and are bright blue.

b.Mullerian

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants and animals. Phosphorus normally occurs in nature as part of a phosphate ion (PO4)3. As you can see from the diagram of the phosphorus cycle, phosphorus is a component of plant fertilizers. Two of the critical roles phosphorus plays in life on Earth is that it is a component of ATP as well as all

c. Although there are annual fluctuations up and down, the global surface temperature is increasing.

Data was collected concerning Galapagos bird beak size over time. There are several species finches, and they are also known as Darwin's Finches. These finches share the same habits and characteristics except for one; they all have different shaped and sized beaks. The differences in their beaks might be the most important aspect of their survival. Around 1977, there was a huge drop in finches with small beaks while there was a great increase in large-beaked birds. How can you explain this?

c. Available food changed and the small beaked birds could not readily adapt.

This image shows four different finches Charles Darwin found while on the Galapagos Islands. Which of these would be most adapted to eating small insects found in tiny holes of trees?

c. Certhidea olivacea

Which statement about human population growth is LEAST likely to be correct?

c. Technological advances in farming and medicine will allow human populations to continue to grow without natural limits.

Which is a plausible explanation of why some plants, such as the Japanese red maple, are not green in color?

c. The plants use other colors of light in photosynthesis that green plants cannot use.

The small mammals, insects, and plants living in the tundra cannot migrate to warmer places to avoid the severe winter conditions. They have very specific adaptive strategies for survival. Identify the adaptation and purpose that is not seen among tundra plants.

c. Tundra plants can only photosynthesize in bright light.

The picture shows one cause of the erosion of the Earth's surface. It is called

c. deforestation.

When humans remove vegetation from an area, the water cycle is MOST directly affected in which way?

c. evaporation in the area will decrease

The desert is very dry and hot during the day. There is a lot of direct sunlight. Annual rainfall averages less than 10 inches per year, and that rain often comes all at the same time. The rest of the year it is very dry. The soil is sandy or rocky and unable to hold much water. Winds can be strong and dry out plants. Which adaptations would you expect to find in desert plants?

c. leafless plants with an extensive, shallow root system

The clownfish is a species of fish that lives between the stinging tentacles of sea anemones. The clownfish protects the anemone from anemone eating fish, while the anemone's tentacles protect the clownfish from predators. The relationship between clownfish and anemone is an example of

c. mutualism.

Which method would save the MOST water?

d. Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.

Which statement about plastics is most accurate?

d. Some plastics are biodegradable by organisms in the soil, but most are not and take hundreds of years to break down.

The Arctic poppy grows in many places, even among rocks. The flower is made up of four petals formed into a cup-shape. The stems are hairy and 10 to 15 cm high with a single flower on each stem. The flowers of these plants are heliotropic; they turn to face the sun. Dark colored insects land inside the poppy's cup to collect nectar and also pollinate the flower. How is this an advantageous, mutualistic relationship?

d. The flower is a sun catcher and the dark colored insect absorbs the sunlight; the insect pollinates the flower.

A scientist researching salamanders has obtained two different specimens. Under what conditions would he classify them as belonging to different species?

d. The two salamanders cannot mate a produce fertile offspring.

A mature pine tree can have a biomass of several tons yet begins its life as a tiny seed, with a biomass of not more than a gram. What contributes to the huge increase in the pine tree's biomass?

d. carbon dioxide and water

Because of human-induced instability of surface water, groundwater is important for future water supply security. Groundwater aquifers are replenished slowly, and human demands often exceed the natural recharge. What water consumption demand does the exceeding population growth put on future water resources?

d. domestic, industrial, and agricultural

Krakatoa was an Indonesian island that was completely obliterated in 1886, when a massive volcano exploded on the island. Underwater lava flows slowly rebuilt a new island, called Surtsey, by 1970. On Surtsey, the first organisms to arrive were small weeds. The weeds then gave way to coconut trees. Land crabs, seagulls, and rats began to colonize the island. By the 1980's, coconut trees gave way to tropical Eucalyptus trees inland. Wild pigs and large lizards colonized the island. In the future, a mature rainforest will re-grow.

d. ecological succession

Three examples are provided. A serious environmental problem is the destruction of

d. irreplaceable resources.

uring winter, the pigment-producing genes of the arctic fox and other arctic animals do not function and the result is a white coat. This is an example of ___________ change due to environmental influence.

d.phenotypic

How do some animals, such as bears, deal with seasonal changes in the environment that result in cold temperatures and little food?

a. They hibernate.

In this food pyramid, about __________ of the available energy is transferred to each level.

a. 10

To drill or not to drill? That is the big question as Americans face climbing gas prices. A group of research scientists employed by the Mobil Oil Company conducted a study on the feasibility of drilling for oil off the coast of California. They researched the impact of oil drilling on nearby ecosystems and investigated the likelihood of future oil spills. According to their data, coastal California would be an excellent location to drill for oil. After publishing the data in local newspapers, Mobil Oil sent out an opinion survey to area residents to check public opinion. Amazingly, every survey came back with a "NO" vote for off-shore drilling. The Public Relations firm for Mobil disputed the fairness of the survey, citing the fact that most Californians are in favor of reducing American dependency on foreign oil.

B) Reduction of fossil fuel use through the incorporation of more green power sources.

During the rainy months in Africa, temporary pools of water form. One fish species, the snakehead fish, is able to walk, using pectoral fins, from pool to pool. Other fish in the same area cannot travel from pool to pool. During the dry season, the pools gradually disappear. If the climate in Africa remains the same as described, what would you MOST LIKELY expect to see after many years?

B) The snakehead fish will replace the other fish species.

A population of green iguanas lived on a tropical island. Originally, most of the iguanas had feet without webbing between their toes and a long round tail. A few iguanas had webbed feet and a short, flat tail. As the years passed, the island became smaller and smaller because of flooding. Even the land areas were dotted with ponds and pools. The iguanas had a hard time finding the food they normally ate. To survive, the iguanas had to swim from island to island to find food.

B) There would be more iguanas with webbed feet and flat tails.

Consider the aquatic phosphorus cycle. Phosphorus is the limiting nutrient for aquatic organisms. Decomposition naturally returns phosphorus to the aquatic cycle, but phosphates from fertilizers, sewage and detergents can cause pollution in lakes and streams. Over-enrichment of phosphate in freshwater can lead to __________ which, when they die and decay, leads to _____________.

B) algal blooms; eutrophication

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants and animals. Phosphorus normally occurs in nature as part of a phosphate ion (PO4)3. As you can see from the diagram of the phosphorus cycle, unlike many other biogeochemical cycles, the _____________ does/do not play a significant role in the movement of phosphorus.

B) atmosphere

As lions hunt for food, they must not only be strong and quick, but they must also have the correct fur coloring in order to not be noticed by potential prey. Which mane color would be BEST suited for hunting in the grasslands during a period of drought, when most of the grasses were beginning to die?

B) brown

Suppose that pollution caused snow in the arctic to quickly turn black, which happens sometimes in today's urban areas. To adapt to this change over time, the arctic fox's fur would

B) darken in the winter.

This is a wetland food web. When the organisms you see here die, they become food for ____________, which help recycle matter back into the food web.

B) decomposers

The table shows the tolerance range of some common freshwater organisms to different pH ranges in water. Acid rain causes the pH of rivers, lakes, and streams on Earth to change. Based on the data table, which animal population will be the LAST to die out due to an increase in acid rain?

B) frogs

During winter, the pigment-producing genes of the arctic fox and other arctic animals do not function and the result is a white coat. This is an example of ___________ change due to environmental influence.

D) phenotypic

Jon and Bryan conducted an experiment to determine which color mussels the blue crabs preferred to eat. The boys varied the color of the mussels provided for food: white and dark gray. They also used assorted sized mussels. In all of the trials, the crabs ate the medium sized mussels, and chose the white mussels over dark gray only if they were medium sized. The boys concluded that the crabs prefer the white mussels. Identify a condition of the experiment that might influence further conclusions.

D) providing white and gray mussels of only medium size

Ecological succession leads to the sustainability of life in an ecosystem. Succession is the observed process of change in the species structure of an ecosystem. The community begins with relatively few pioneering plants and animals and develops through stages of increasing complexity until it becomes stable. Succession may be initiated either by formation of new, unoccupied habitat such as the formation of an island or by some form of disturbance such as fire in an existing ecosystem. Succession that begins in new habitats, uninfluenced by pre-existing communities is called primary succession, whereas succession that follows disruption of a pre-existing community is called secondary succession.

D) secondary succession

Some plants exhibit a behavior called thigmotropism that causes the plant to grow or move in response to touch or contact. Climbing vines use this behavior to grow tendrils that curl around other plants for support. What is the MOST likely reason a climbing vine would evolve this ability?

D) to grow high off the ground in order to maximize sunlight exposure

The greatest biodiversity on earth is found in the __________ biome.

D) tropical rainforest

This food chain is incomplete. Two groups of organisms are missing. One group of organisms that is missing are the producers, plants and other photosynthetic organisms. They turn sunlight into chemical energy. What is the other missing group and what do they do?

D. Decomposers that recycle matter back into the food chain.

The Eastern grey squirrel lives mostly in oak trees that have a medium gray bark. In some cities, oak tree bark is darkening due to air pollution. This Eastern grey squirrel shows melanism, or the increase in black pigment in its fur. What is MOST LIKELY the reason for the change in fur color?

D. It is a way to camouflage the squirrel in a changing habitat.

In any food web, the organisms that are responsible for converting raw energy into usable chemical energy are collectively called ________ while organisms that recycle the nutrients trapped in dead organisms are collectively called

D. The drop in the mouse population will lead to an increase in the beetle population.

Which is the correct sequence of events in the nitrogen cycle?

D. atmospheric nitrogen→bacteria→plants→animals

What two processes fuel the carbon cycle?

D. cellular respiration and photosynthesis

Identify the incorrect set of plant adaptations and their corresponding explanation from the answer choices.

a. Bulbs; modified roots used for food storage in plants.

We use batteries every day to play radios, iPhones, video games, and even our car. But although batteries are a convenient technology, but they can cause problems for life on Earth. Batteries cause problems in all BUT one way. That is

a. They are easy to recycle

Which is the primary advantage of instincts, such as the tendency of a mother bear to attack anything between herself and her cubs?

a. They improve survival rates